Page 77 of L.O.V.E

She laughed, shaking her head. “It’s silly, really. When I was little, I loved going to the bank with Mom. They always had lollipops for the kids, and the people were so nice. I thought it was cool they got to work behind those giant glass walls. Started out as a cashier, worked my way up.”

That wasn’t silly. That was Natalie.

For the next half hour, we made small talk. She told me about her promotion. I told her about the new development projects Dad and I had in the works and my plans for expanding CFC.

I got a text from Ellis at the same time Natalie’s phone chimed.

“We better head in,” I grumbled, not ready to leave our safe place, not ready to let her go.

Natalie offered a shy smile that pummeled all my vulnerable places. I held her hand. We walked in silence. Instead of begging her to keep in touch, I kissed her cheek, said, “It was good to see you,” and opened the door, following her inside.

We parted ways. The hole in my heart grew wider but somehow hurt a little less.

Natalie

I found Lacy in the nursery, babe at her breast, lids heavy, cheeks flushed.

“There you are,” she whispered, swinging her free arm wide for a hug.

Our embrace was sloppy but vital, the child our new reality. I kissed Leon’s fuzzy head, that heavenly baby scent eliciting bittersweet emotions.

“Please tell me you were with Cole,” she said, a hint of intrigue in her tone. “He looked like he was going to faint.”

I planted my butt on the fuzzy blue rug next to the rocking chair. “Are you mad I left early?”

“Of course not.” She shifted the baby to the other breast. “Ellis is worried. We’ve hardly seen Cole since the accident.” She winced, adjusted her boob, then continued, “He disappears every night after work, doesn’t return calls.” Lacey’s eyes turned liquid.

Grief and Lacey were well acquainted.

“He’s hurting,” I whispered, my body aching with sadness, though I wasn’t sure why. I studied the wall behind mother and son. Gold stars scattered across a midnight blue wall, the pattern erratic but inspiring infinite hope and wonder.

The baby made a squeak and released his mom’s boob.

“He done?” I said, fighting tears.

Lacey nodded.

Hopping to my feet, I ordered, “Hand him over.” I scooped that little bundle of joy into my arms. I burped him like a pro, then smothered him with kisses.

Holding him warmed me deep, soul deep.

“You can lay him in the crib.” Lacey nodded to the white wooden bed and yawned.

“I don’t want to let go.” Tears trickled, catching on my lip and chin. I had no free hands to wipe them away.

“Look at my little boy, collecting his jar of hearts already.” Lacey rose from the chair and used her sleeve to dry my face. “Sit.” She nudged me toward the rocking chair.

I lowered myself into the cushion, and she tucked a pillow under my arm.

“He’s so perfect. So beautiful and perfect.”

“I know, right. I did good, didn’t I?” Lacey yawned, stretched, then righted her shirt, adjusting her plump breasts in her nursing bra.

“Head downstairs and join the party. I need some bonding time with my godson.”

“You sure?”

“Definitely. Go.” I shooed her away.

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